In a devastating development, the Israeli military has announced that the body of a 65-year-old Israeli hostage, Yehudit Weiss, has been found in a house near Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City. Ms Weiss had been kidnapped by Hamas during their attack last month and was without her medication for breast cancer at the time. The news of her death comes as Israeli officials claim that Hamas abducted a total of 240 hostages, with only four being freed so far.
Yehudit Weiss was a beloved member of her community, having worked in her kibbutz’s kindergartens, managed the dining room, and specialized in nursing before retiring. She was described as a “loving full-time grandmother” who had a passion for culture, sports, traveling, and baking. Tragically, her husband, Rabbi Shmulik, was killed in the same Hamas assault.
Israel’s IDF spokesperson, Daniel Hagari, revealed that Kalashnikov rifles and rocket-propelled grenades were found near Yehudit Weiss’s body. He expressed regret that they were unable to rescue her in time and did not provide further details on how she was killed. Meanwhile, Hamas continues to deny any involvement in operating out of Al-Shifa hospital, which has become the center of the Israeli military’s attention.
Fighting between Israel and Hamas has intensified since the cross-border attack on 7 October, resulting in a significant loss of life on both sides. Israeli officials claim that at least 1,200 people were killed in Hamas’s attack, while Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports 11,400 deaths in the territory since Israel’s counter-attack began.
The raid on Al-Shifa hospital on Wednesday morning has raised further questions and tensions. The Israeli military alleges that Hamas has been using the hospital as a command center, prompting a two-day search of the complex. However, Hamas denies the accusation, and independent verification of these claims is challenging.
As the situation in Gaza continues to worsen, Al-Shifa hospital is facing dire conditions. Currently, more than 650 patients, 500 medical staff, and over 5,000 displaced people are seeking shelter within the hospital. Muhammad Abu Salmiya, the hospital’s director, has described the conditions as “tragic,” highlighting the shortages of oxygen and water.
The discovery of Yehudit Weiss’s body near Al-Shifa hospital raises concerns about the safety of hostages, the role of hospitals in the conflict, and the increasing death toll on both sides. As tensions escalate, there is a urgent need for international intervention to de-escalate the situation and find a peaceful resolution.
In conclusion, the tragic news of Yehudit Weiss’s murder underscores the dangers faced by hostages and the escalating violence between Israel and Hamas. The discovery of weapons near her body adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as both sides continue to make conflicting claims. The dire conditions at Al-Shifa hospital and the urgent need for humanitarian aid further emphasize the severity of the crisis. International efforts must be intensified to bring about a peaceful resolution and prevent further loss of life.
